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Effortless Holiday Feast: Mastering Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Dorothy Lynch

Imagine a holiday meal where the centerpiece is a show-stopping, beautifully glazed ham, cooked to tender perfection without occupying your precious oven. This dream becomes a delicious reality with our incredibly easy slow cooker recipe. Using just four simple ingredients for the glaze, this method delivers an unforgettable flavor that will have everyone thinking you spent all day in the kitchen. The secret weapon? A unique, sweet, and tangy blend anchored by Nebraska’s own Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment, transforming a standard ham into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for the bustling holiday season or any special gathering, this hands-off approach ensures a succulent, juicy ham every time. Be sure to prepare extra glaze to serve alongside your sliced ham – trust us, you’ll want more of this irresistible flavor!

Transform Your Holiday Meal Prep: The Benefits of Slow Cooker Ham

The holiday season, especially with its unique challenges and evolving traditions, often calls for simpler, more efficient cooking methods without compromising on flavor or festive spirit. Instead of grappling for oven space during the most hectic cooking days of the year, imagine preparing a magnificent, perfectly glazed ham effortlessly in your slow cooker! This ingenious method is an absolute game-changer for holiday hosts, allowing you to focus on other beloved side dishes, delectable desserts, or, most importantly, enjoying quality time with your cherished family and friends.

Traditionally, preparing a glazed ham can feel like a complex undertaking, often competing for coveted oven real estate alongside the turkey, numerous casseroles, roasted vegetables, and a medley of other festive fare. This slow cooker recipe for glazed ham completely eliminates that stressful juggling act. By utilizing your crockpot, your ham cooks slowly and gently to achieve unparalleled tenderness and juiciness, absorbing the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of the unique glaze. The result is a truly show-stopping dish delivered with minimal hands-on effort. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious, stress-free holiday meal, making your hosting duties significantly lighter while guaranteeing a meal everyone will rave about.

This post is proudly sponsored by Nebraska’s own Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment. While this content is sponsored, all opinions and my genuine love for their exceptional product are entirely my own.

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Dorothy’s Holiday Slow Cooker Glazed Ham: A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist

Even though holiday celebrations may look different from what we’ve grown accustomed to, the sheer joy of gathering around a table laden with delicious, comforting food remains a cherished constant. This recipe for Dorothy’s Holiday Slow Cooker Glazed Ham ensures that your festive spread is adorned with a dish that tastes as wonderful as ever, if not even better! The inherent beauty of slow cooking lies in its remarkable ability to infuse deep flavors into the meat while maintaining incredible moisture, resulting in a ham that is exceptionally tender and succulent, whether it’s on the bone or a boneless cut.

One of the biggest culinary struggles during the holiday season, regardless of the size of your guest list, is the meticulous timing required for multiple dishes. Roasts, turkeys, an assortment of side dishes, warm rolls, and decadent desserts all demand attention and often vie for the same oven space and specific cooking temperatures. This is precisely where your slow cooker emerges as an invaluable kitchen companion. By preparing your glazed ham in the crockpot, you skillfully eliminate all oven conflicts and free up crucial space for other essential components of your elaborate holiday feast. It’s a remarkably simple strategic shift that yields monumental advantages in holiday meal preparation, significantly reducing your stress levels and guaranteeing that every dish comes out perfectly timed and exquisitely cooked.

The Secret to an Unforgettable Glaze: Harnessing the Power of Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing

While you can find countless recipes for slow cooker glazed hams circulating online, what truly sets this particular recipe apart is its ingenious and unique secret ingredient: Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment. While many classic ham glazes typically rely on a combination of honey, brown sugar, and a hint of warming spices, the inspired addition of Dorothy Lynch elevates this recipe to an entirely new echelon of flavor. This beloved Nebraska dressing is far more than just a simple salad topping; its distinctive sweet, spicy, and tangy profile contributes an incredible depth and complexity to the glaze.

It masterfully transforms a standard honey glaze into something truly extraordinary, imparting a delightful homemade taste that is both wonderfully familiar and exhilaratingly exciting. The perfect balance of carefully selected herbs and spices, coupled with that subtle kick of spiciness and a delightful sweet and tangy finish, ensures this isn’t just “another” honey glaze for ham – it’s an experience. This carefully crafted glaze is designed to seep into every delicate crevice and tender fiber of your ham as it slow-cooks, creating an exceptionally moist, flavorful, and exquisitely glazed result. The extended, gentle cooking time in the crockpot allows all these remarkable flavors to meld together beautifully, guaranteeing that each succulent slice of ham is coated in a sticky, sweet, and utterly irresistible glaze. It’s a taste sensation that will undoubtedly leave your guests craving more and eager to uncover the secret behind your culinary masterpiece!

Simple Ingredients for Dorothy’s Irresistible Ham Glaze

One of the most appealing aspects of this remarkable recipe is its sheer simplicity. To craft this truly outstanding ham glaze, you’ll only require four core ingredients, alongside your chosen ham. The undisputed star of this particular glaze is, of course, Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment. This unique dressing is perfectly complemented by classic sweet glaze components that bring warmth and depth: rich, golden honey; robust brown sugar; and a touch of dark, earthy molasses. These select ingredients work in impeccable harmony to create a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is both wonderfully sweet and subtly spiced, with that signature tangy kick from the dressing.

Beyond these four essentials, if you prefer a thicker, more luscious glaze for serving, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with an equal part of water will effortlessly achieve the desired consistency. And, of course, a pre-cooked ham is all you need to complete the picture. That’s truly it! With such a minimal and accessible ingredient list, you are perfectly equipped to prepare a holiday ham that tastes exquisitely gourmet without any of the usual fuss or extensive preparation typically associated with such an impressive dish. Get ready to enjoy maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Easy Steps to a Perfectly Slow-Cooked Glazed Ham

The preparation process for this exquisite glazed ham is as wonderfully straightforward as its concise ingredient list, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels. Begin by lightly spraying the interior of your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Next, carefully place your chosen ham into the slow cooker, positioning it flat side down to create a stable base for even cooking. In a separate saucepan, combine the Dorothy Lynch dressing, brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Gently simmer this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has completely dissolved, resulting in a smooth, aromatic, and glossy glaze.

Once your glaze is ready, add half a cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker, around the ham. Then, generously pour your freshly prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s beautifully coated. Securely place the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic on a low heat setting for approximately 5 to 6 hours. For maximum flavor penetration and to achieve a beautifully even, lustrous glaze, it is highly recommended to baste the ham every two hours during the cooking process. This crucial step helps keep the ham incredibly moist and ensures it absorbs all the deliciousness of the glaze.

When the ham has reached its desired internal temperature and is heated through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker consistency for serving, return the leftover glaze from the crockpot to the saucepan. Whisk in a cornstarch and water mixture (as specified in the recipe) and simmer over medium heat until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Drizzle some of this luscious, thickened glaze over the sliced ham just before serving, and offer the remaining glaze alongside at the table for guests to add as they please. This thoughtful presentation ensures everyone can enjoy extra portions of the irresistible glaze.

Choosing the Best Ham for Your Slow Cooker Success

Selecting the right ham is a pivotal step towards achieving slow cooking success and a truly delicious result. There are two primary considerations to meticulously keep in mind when choosing your ham. First and foremost, it is absolutely essential that your chosen ham fits comfortably within your slow cooker, allowing the lid to close securely and maintain consistent heat. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly for this specific recipe, you must select a ham that is already pre-cooked or smoked. This recipe is meticulously designed for reheating and glazing, not for cooking a raw ham from scratch. Attempting to use an uncooked ham would necessitate significantly longer cooking times, different safety protocols, and would not yield the same tender, beautifully glazed results within the specified timeframe.

When considering the type of ham, I personally lean towards a boneless ham for its unparalleled ease of slicing and serving, which is particularly convenient during busy gatherings. Spiral-cut hams are often my top preference because their pre-cut slices create numerous channels, allowing the rich glaze to penetrate deeply and infuse every single piece with enhanced flavor. However, I understand that spiral-cut options can sometimes be more challenging to find consistently year-round, depending on your location. On occasions when a spiral-cut ham isn’t readily available, a picnic ham or a standard boneless ham works absolutely beautifully, as I have personally discovered when preparing this very recipe. The absolute key factors are its pre-cooked state and its ability to fit correctly in your crockpot. Don’t stress excessively about the specific cut; as long as it’s fully cooked and fits, you are well on your way to preparing a remarkably delicious and effortless meal.

Understanding Ham Size for Optimal Slow Cooker Performance

The size of your ham certainly plays a significant role when utilizing a slow cooker, but please don’t let a slightly oversized ham deter you from trying this fantastic recipe! There are straightforward and effective solutions to ensure a perfect fit. If your ham is just a tad too large for the lid to close properly and create a secure seal, you can very easily trim a small section off the bottom. This minor adjustment often creates precisely enough space for the lid to sit snugly, which is crucial for even cooking and efficient heat retention throughout the process.

For a significantly larger ham that appears to be an impossible fit, a clever foil “tent” can be your culinary savior. To construct this, create a secure cover using two or more pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, carefully sealing it tightly around the edges of your crockpot. To further enhance heat trapping and add a bit of insulating weight, you can place a clean dishtowel or kitchen towel over the foil tent. This ingenious trick effectively prevents heat from escaping, allowing your ham to cook thoroughly and consistently. As a helpful reference, my 8-pound ham cooked to absolute perfection in approximately 6 hours on the low setting using this very method. This demonstrates that a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen can go a long way in achieving slow cooker perfection, even with larger cuts of meat.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If this delectable slow cooker glazed ham recipe has captured your imagination and you’re eager to try it, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now, so it’s always conveniently handy when you’re planning your next holiday meal, a special family dinner, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Sharing delicious recipes is a joy, and this one is definitely worth sharing with fellow food lovers!

Discovering Dorothy Lynch: Much More Than Just a Salad Dressing

“The” Dorothy Lynch refers to the remarkable woman who first created this now-iconic dressing back in the 1940s. She initially served it at a humble yet bustling restaurant that she and her husband ran at the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing quickly soared in popularity, becoming such a local sensation that eager patrons would regularly bring in their own empty bottles for Dorothy to lovingly fill, desperate to enjoy its unique and comforting flavor in the comfort of their own homes. This heartwarming, grassroots beginning speaks volumes about the dressing’s enduring appeal and its truly homemade, authentic quality.

Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is most aptly described as a sweet and spicy dressing characterized by a rich, thick, and wonderfully creamy texture. Its distinctive reddish-orange hue often leads people, understandably, to mistakenly assume it’s simply another French dressing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. French dressing is typically oil-based, while Dorothy Lynch is distinctly tomato-based, which imparts a profoundly different and unique flavor profile. The single most fitting word to capture its essence and taste is “Homemade” – it genuinely possesses that authentic, comforting, and deeply satisfying taste you would expect from a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Its unparalleled balance of tang, sweetness, and a subtle yet satisfying kick is precisely what makes it extraordinarily versatile and universally beloved.

Unlock Culinary Creativity: Exploring Uses for Dorothy Lynch Beyond Salads

While Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is undeniably fantastic on salads – a fact that most Nebraskans can enthusiastically attest to, as it’s often their first delightful introduction to the product – its expansive culinary potential truly extends far beyond the confines of the salad bowl. This dressing is remarkably versatile, serving beautifully as a superb condiment, a delightful dipping sauce for golden fries, slices of pizza, and, perhaps best of all, dipping crispy fried chicken in it is an experience that is nothing short of crazy good and absolutely must be tried to be believed!

For those who are mindful of their calorie intake but refuse to compromise on flavor, Dorothy Lynch also thoughtfully offers a Light & Lean version. This lighter alternative provides the exact same incredible taste and endless versatility with fewer calories, ensuring everyone can enjoy its unique charm. However, where Dorothy Lynch truly sparkles and shines is when it is creatively incorporated into cooking. When you dare to get adventurous and start adding this dressing to your recipes, that’s precisely when truly magical and intensely tasty flavors begin to emerge! I have personally utilized it in a myriad of imaginative ways, from marinades to savory sauces, and I genuinely encourage you to explore and give all these diverse applications a try. The possibilities for enhancing your dishes with this distinctive flavor are virtually limitless.

Explore More Delicious Dorothy Lynch Recipes

If you’re now inspired to explore the full culinary potential of Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing, here are some other fantastic recipes that brilliantly showcase its incredible versatility and unique flavor profile. Each one offers a different way to enjoy this beloved Nebraska staple:

Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread
Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops (featuring a homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce)
Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Seasoning and Taco Sauce
Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs
Dorothy’s Impossible Pie with Bacon & Swiss
Juicy Lucy Burgers
Dorothy’s Hot Taco Dip
Dorothy’s Pizza Pockets
Crockpot Pulled Pork with Dorothy Lynch Coleslaw

Where to Find Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Dressing

Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is widely and conveniently available at most grocery stores across its home state of Nebraska. Beyond that, you can also find it in select grocery stores located west of the Mississippi River, including major and popular retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. If, for any reason, you’re unable to locate this versatile dressing in your local grocery store aisles, there’s no need to worry! You can very easily keep your pantry fully stocked with Dorothy Lynch by simply shopping online through Buy Nebraska or directly from Amazon, ensuring you never run out of this essential ingredient.

Furthermore, make sure to follow along with Dorothy Lynch on their official website, and their vibrant social media channels, including Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Following them will provide you with a continuous stream of delicious recipes, innovative cooking ideas, and plenty of inspiration throughout the entire year, helping you discover even more ways to enjoy this incredible dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Q: Can I use a fresh, uncooked ham for this recipe?: A: No, this recipe is specifically formulated for a pre-cooked or smoked ham. Using a fresh (raw) ham would necessitate significantly different cooking times, internal temperature checks for food safety, and a distinct preparation method. For the best, safest, and most delicious results with this recipe, always opt for a ham that is already fully cooked.
Q: How can I ensure my slow cooker ham stays incredibly moist and juicy?: A: The slow cooker itself is excellent at retaining moisture due to its sealed environment and low, consistent heat. Additionally, basting the ham every two hours with the flavorful glaze is key. This not only keeps the ham moist but also allows the delicious glaze to continually penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor and creating a beautiful crust.
Q: Is it possible to prepare the ham glaze ahead of time?: A: Absolutely! Preparing the glaze in advance is a fantastic time-saving tip, especially during busy holiday preparations. You can mix the glaze ingredients (Dorothy Lynch, brown sugar, honey, molasses) a day or two before you plan to cook the ham. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then simply warm it gently on the stovetop before pouring it over the ham in the slow cooker.
Q: What should I do if my ham is too large for my slow cooker?: A: Don’t fret! If the ham is only slightly too big, you can often trim a small section off the bottom to help the lid fit properly. For a much larger ham where the lid simply won’t close, create a secure “tent” using several pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Seal the foil tightly around the edges of the crockpot. For added insulation and heat retention, you can place a clean dishtowel over the foil tent. This method works very effectively to cook larger hams.
Q: Can I use the glaze as a dipping sauce for leftovers?: A: Yes, absolutely! The thickened glaze is incredibly delicious and makes an excellent dipping sauce for leftover ham slices. It can also be served alongside other dishes or used to liven up sandwiches.

The Ultimate Holiday Ham: Deliciously Simple with Dorothy Lynch

With Dorothy’s Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, your holidays are destined to be not only a little tastier but also significantly less stressful and more enjoyable. This thoughtfully crafted recipe brilliantly combines the unparalleled convenience of slow cooking with the uniquely vibrant, sweet, and tangy kick of Dorothy Lynch dressing, culminating in a truly memorable and impressive meal. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast, a more intimate family gathering, or simply preparing a special Sunday dinner, this ham promises to be a tender, incredibly juicy, and perfectly glazed centerpiece that will undoubtedly earn rave reviews from everyone at your table. Get ready to effortlessly impress your guests, savor every single moment of your celebration, and perhaps even start a delicious new holiday tradition!

Now, let’s dive into the complete recipe details and get cooking!

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Dorothy's Slow Cooker Glazed Ham - plated with salad

Rating: 5/5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Dorothy’s Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Dorothy’s Slow Cooker Glazed Ham is perfect for the holidays, or any day! It is such a delicious and “hands-off” recipe, slow cooking all day while it makes its own sweet glaze. It’s a showstopper!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 6 hrs

Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins

Course: Pork

Cuisine: American

Keywords: boneless ham, crock pot ham, Dorothy Lynch, honey glazed ham, how long to cook ham in the slow cooker, how to slow cook ham in a crock pot or slow cooker, precooked pre smoked ham, slow cook ham, slow cooker glazed ham, what kind of ham works best in the slow cooker

Servings: 1 7-8 pound Ham

Calories: 206 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Buy Dorothy Lynch
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker

Ingredients

1 7-8 pound Ham (pre-cooked or smoked)
1/2 cup Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment (Light & Lean version can also be used)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup raw honey
2 teaspoons molasses
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons corn starch mixed with 2 Tablespoons water (for thickening glaze, optional)

Instructions

Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Carefully place the pre-cooked ham, flat side down, into the slow cooker.
In a small saucepan, combine the Dorothy Lynch dressing, brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker, around the ham.
Generously pour the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW heat setting for approximately 6 hours. For optimal flavor and a beautiful glaze, baste the ham with the accumulating glaze every 2 hours during the cooking process.
Once the ham is heated through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer any remaining glaze from the crockpot back into the saucepan.
If you desire a thicker glaze, whisk together 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this cornstarch mixture to the glaze in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Pour some of this thickened, luscious glaze over the sliced ham before serving, and present the rest alongside the ham at the table for guests to enjoy.

Notes

I successfully used a “Pit Ham” for this recipe, demonstrating its versatility. This recipe performs wonderfully with any type of pre-cooked ham, and I particularly love using a spiral-cut ham for its ease of serving and how well the glaze permeates its slices. The most crucial factor is ensuring your chosen ham fits snugly within your crockpot, allowing the lid to close completely. Should your ham be slightly too large, feel free to trim a small section off the bottom to achieve a perfect fit. Enjoy your perfectly glazed, tender ham!

Nutrition (per serving)